Business, general

Encryption plan for software is brought out

Article Abstract:

The Clinton administration announced a plan that would allow US companies to export stronger data-security software abroad provided an electronic escrow agent holds the keys for deciphering the codes. The new plan is intended as a compromise between law-enforcement and computer companies. Government authorities would be required to obtain a warrant to gain access to keys. The Clinton administration plans to continue restricting the strength of encryption codes and has yet to outline its new plan in detail leaving computer software companies in limbo. The government must address a number of critical issues including defining an escrow agent certification process and forming a policy in regard to data-security hardware. The government has, however, been unable to prevent the proliferation of the practically impenetrable Pretty Good Privacy encryption program. The administration also faces obstacle in ensuring programmer cooperation with its plan.

Upstart Teligent to enter more markets this year and next than it expected

Article Abstract:

Teligent will expand its phone services to between 10 and 20 markets in 1998 and surpass its plans for 1999, according to Chmn and CEO Alex J. Mandl. By comparison, the upstart provider's initial projections called for reaching 10 markets in 1998 and 20 in 1999. Other Teligent plans include a commercial launch in its operating markets as soon as the end of the 3rd qtr 1998. The company also announced deals with long-distance provider Frontier and Concentric Network, which will extend a full bundle of services to customers. Teligent, which has drawn analysts's attention since its Nov 1997 spinoff from Associated Group, essentially intends to connect customers through its microwave spectrum licenses. Analysts praise the acceleration as a positive development, even though the company has not yet reported a robust customer base or significant revenue.